"Why?" Ye Cangtian asked, looking at the other person.
"Because Dongfang Hongwu is not here. If the waters are not stirred up, and the spearhead is entirely pointed at Chen Yi, many more people will die..."
Hao Tian stated that at the time, only he was certain that Chen Yi was a traitor. Others either didn't know about the traitor or suspected both of them.
Crucially, he couldn't produce enough evidence to identify Chen Yi, making it impossible to eliminate him.
As the investigation progressed, countless people would inevitably die, as Chen Yi would not want anyone threatening him.
Therefore, Hao Tian chose to entangle himself with Chen Yi, constantly monitoring him to deter him from acting rashly.
He would then find a way to eliminate him once solid evidence was obtained.
Besides, if he hadn't kept Chen Yi occupied, how could Dongfang Mingyue have smoothly taken charge of the Hidden Group, even with Dongfang Hongwu's appointment?
Similarly, he believed that Dongfang Hongwu had also recognized the benefits of their mutual restraint, which was why he ordered the documentation of this matter to be classified as absolute secrecy, preventing anyone from investigating it...
Hmm?
As Ye Cangtian's eyes darted around, he could understand Hao Tian's explanation to some extent, but he did not agree with the approach.
The reason was simple: Chen Yi had been involved in the Hidden Group for so long that he must have done many things harmful to it.
If nothing else, the fate of Tang Qingshan and his wife was orchestrated by Chen Yi.
Thinking this, he spoke, "I think you could have eliminated him in secret, or perhaps set a trap..."
"It's not that easy!"
Before Ye Cangtian could finish, Hao Tian interrupted him and continued, "Although I'm reluctant to admit it, Chen Yi's cultivation is indeed superior to mine, and he has cultivated quite a few forces.
Even if a trap is set, someone will fall into it for Chen Yi, and if handled poorly, it could backfire, making me a true traitor!"
This...
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian was somewhat speechless. He was no match for Chen Yi in a one-on-one fight, and if he set a trap, someone else would jump into it.
In this regard, Chen Yi was essentially in an invincible position in their confrontation.
Now Ye Cangtian finally understood why Chen Yi had no intention of eliminating Hao Tian.
If it were him, he would also keep Hao Tian alive. Only with Hao Tian alive would the mist not dissipate, and the members of the Hidden Group would remain confused about who the traitor was.
This way, Chen Yi could rest easy and continue to operate secretly within the Hidden Group to cause destruction.
"Perhaps you think your actions were correct, but I maintain my stance. This matter is in the past, so let's not argue about it."
After a moment, Ye Cangtian glanced at Hao Tian and continued, "I want to know what's going on with Tan Xiuming? How did your hand extend to the Dragon Group?"
"That was a plan of mine!"
Hao Tian glanced over and calmly explained, "If I hadn't acted, Chen Yi would definitely have made a move in secret, and it would have been impossible to guard against. But if I acted openly, Chen Yi would feel secure and boldly interfere in the open."
Speaking of which, Hao Tian revealed a hint of a proud smile. After years of battling, this was the first time he had gained a slight advantage!
Alas! The allure of the Dragon Group was simply too great.
Seeing Hao Tian's smug expression, Ye Cangtian mused inwardly. The benefits of controlling the Dragon Group were immense, and it was no wonder Chen Yi couldn't resist the temptation.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian spoke, "By the way, you and Chen Yi have done more than just these actions, haven't you? If possible, could you explain?"
"Hmph, don't interrogate me like a criminal!"
Hao Tian snorted lightly, emphasizing his displeasure, before starting to explain.
His intention in luring Ye Cangtian out today was to prevent his recent actions from attracting Ye Cangtian's attention and causing him to misjudge Hao Tian as a traitor.
As for his recent actions, they were also his way of protecting the Hidden Group and resisting Chen Yi.
For example, their recent recruitment of elites within the Hidden Group and their struggle for power might be disapproved of by some, but Hao Tian was indeed acting to protect the Hidden Group.
The reason was simple: Dongfang Mingyue was merely a quasi-Heavenly level expert, incomparable to Chen Yi.
If the two were to clash, and Chen Yi could not be proven a traitor, the vast majority of the Hidden Group would side with Chen Yi.
After all, Chen Yi was a Heavenly level expert and could lead the Hidden Group further.
With this consideration, Hao Tian stepped forward.
He was also a Heavenly level expert. If he competed for power with Chen Yi within the Hidden Group, it would be a fifty-fifty situation, at least preventing Chen Yi's faction from dominating.
Hearing this explanation, Ye Cangtian slowly nodded.
Although Hao Tian's actions were not effective and intensified the infighting within the Hidden Group, his intentions were well-meaning.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian spoke, "Fortunately, the光明殿's offensive momentum at the China entrance has weakened. Otherwise, if you continued to quarrel like this, the Hidden Group would truly be in danger."
With that sentence, Hao Tian immediately understood Ye Cangtian's meaning; he was clearly implying that the timing of their conflict was not right, but was this something he could control?
"I was also forced to do it!"
Hao Tian gave a wry smile. He also knew the situation of the Hidden Group. Competing for power with Chen Yi at this time would bring great crisis to the Hidden Group.
But there was no other way. The Hidden Group's strength had increased too rapidly, with a large number of Earthly level experts being created. Chen Yi could no longer sit still.
Since Chen Yi chose to act, Hao Tian naturally could not stand idly by and had to retaliate.
Fortunately, Dongfang Mingyue handled this aspect appropriately, stabilizing the overall situation and preventing things from escalating further.
Speaking of which, he had to thank Dongfang Mingyue!
After hearing Hao Tian's difficulties, Ye Cangtian finally understood everything.
The next moment, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply to Hao Tian, saying, "Senior, I apologize for my harsh words earlier. I was desperate to get the truth. Please forgive me!"
Regarding Hao Tian, Ye Cangtian had only had 90% certainty that he was not a traitor before.
Therefore, his attitude was somewhat harsh upon meeting him, hoping to prompt him to reveal some truths.
After this discussion, he no longer had the slightest doubt and was completely convinced that Hao Tian was not a traitor!
Since Hao Tian was an ally, Ye Cangtian naturally had to apologize for his previous attitude.
This...
Hao Tian was slightly stunned, his mouth twitched, and he said with a wry smile, "Your mind is truly extraordinary. You've tricked me without me even realizing it."
After a pause, Hao Tian continued, "But this is good. With you dealing with Chen Yi, I don't believe Chen Yi can avoid revealing any flaws!"
"Senior, you flatter me."
Ye Cangtian waved his hand and continued, "Senior, please keep today's meeting confidential. And do not contact me privately in the future. Leave Chen Yi to me. All you need to do is..."
Listening to Ye Cangtian's words, Hao Tian frowned slightly and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "Are you sure? How confident are you?"
"Please rest assured, Senior, I won't do anything without confidence!"
Seeing Ye Cangtian's confident and serious expression, Hao Tian slowly nodded and said, "Alright. Don't push yourself too hard. If you need anything, just notify me!"
...
The sun rose again.
Ye Cangtian pushed open the door and breathed in the fresh air. A moment later, Qiangwei appeared behind him, standing quietly.
"Qiangwei, you don't blame me for bringing you here without your consent and leaving you by Sister Mingyue's side, do you?"
Since there were too many things to discuss with Dongfang Mingyue upon their arrival, Qiangwei's matter was settled with a few brief words between him and Dongfang Mingyue.
Only after the decision was made did Qiangwei find out about it. Ye Cangtian felt a bit apprehensive about Qiangwei's lack of a reaction until now, hence the question.
"I don't blame you!"
Qiangwei slowly shook her head. She knew very well that if Ye Cangtian had done this, he must have had his reasons, and it was definitely for her own good.
Hearing Qiangwei's words, Ye Cangtian felt relieved and said calmly, "Follow Sister Mingyue diligently for training. Not only you, but other suitable brothers and sisters will follow suit in the future.
Your ultimate destination is not in the outside world, but to dominate the various ruins!"
"Okay."
A clear, cold voice sounded, and Qiangwei's eyes shone with exceptional brilliance.
What did it mean to dominate the various ruins? It meant, like Ye Cangtian, being able to fight alongside Ye Cangtian again!
This was what all members of the Grim Reaper Squad longed for!
It also meant that Ye Cangtian had not abandoned them due to their lower strength.
Because of this, the resentment that had built up over their long separation vanished in that instant.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, come with me to headquarters!"
"There's a big show to put on today!"
"Remember, just stand behind Sister Mingyue and obey her commands."
Ye Cangtian intended to start laying his plans today, which might draw suppression from Chen Yi. He was truly worried that Qiangwei, with her temper, might directly confront Chen Yi.
If that happened, not only might Qiangwei suffer, but it could also affect the plan, hence the need for this caution.
The next moment, seeing Qiangwei nod, Ye Cangtian led her to the headquarters.
...